−− Rijk Zwaan Australia continues its Strategic Partnership with AUSVEG, signing a one-year agreement that will see the companies deliver more positive outcomes for the vegetable supply chain.

AUSVEG, the peak industry body for vegetables in Australia, partners with leading agribusinesses and service providers in an effort to enhance outcomes for growers.

This is the second year Rijk Zwaan has partnered with AUSVEG and Rijk Zwaan’s Managing Director, Steven Roberts, said AUSVEG shares the vision of increasing vegetable consumption.

“AUSVEG is an important bridge between the growers and the vegetable consumer and offers a collective voice that represents the whole vegetable industry,” Steven said.

“Investing in this strategic alliance ensures there is better knowledge transfer throughout the entire vegetable supply chain.”

Through the partnership last year, Australian growers on tours organised by AUSVEG visited various Rijk Zwaan locations in Europe to learn about seed technology, breeding programs, and innovations in horticultural practices.

“The investment that seed companies put in is enormous and it’s great that people can see for themselves the work that goes into creating new varieties and producing top quality seeds,” Steven said.

AUSVEG’s National Marketing Manager, Nathan McIntyre, said AUSVEG is looking forward to continuing to work with Rijk Zwaan.

“Rijk Zwaan is at the forefront of global seed technology and innovation and has shown tremendous support for the Australian vegetable industry through its ongoing partnership with AUSVEG and the industry’s growers,” Nathan said.

“Rijk Zwaan has a global perspective of the vegetable industry and understands the challenges that growers face all around the world,

“Through this relationship, we are able to facilitate information flow to the industry and our growers.”

Rijk Zwaan’s support also helps AUSVEG to fund industry activities, including public affairs work and the annual Hort Connections conference.